Current Beauty Faves!

Milani Matte lipstick in Innocense- a clour  that doesnt wash me out and great for everyday nude colour. Its not drying to the lips at all and it smells good!

Sephora Lustre Matte Lipstick in Fig lustre- I love this! This is forever in my makeup bag. "My lips but better colour" Nuddish, Mauve colour. I wear this almost every day for the past 3 weeks 😁.

Carli bybel palette- despite the awesome deal, $12.50 for 10 eyeshadows and 4 highlighters, perfect for Fall! Love the golds and burgundys. 

Juicy coutour viva lajuicy- my signature scent along with miss dior. My scent for the past month... Everyday. Excessive! 

Benefit highbrow- I dont know what took me so long to get this! Highlighted brow brones make such a difference in my makeup routine and turnout.Although a bit harder to blend and have to have a brush to do so, the pinkish nude is the perfect colour.

Nars eyeshadow primer- best primer for such oily eyelids! Been so oily lately and this tops Urban decay primer potion.

Becca highlighter in opal.- gotta give my jaclynhill champagne pop a rest and this stays up there on my best highlighter list. Used this baby pretty much everyday. 

MUFE 3c lipliner- this goes with anything, & everything. Such a pretty lip color even on its own.

Origins frothy wash- lately Ive been good with skincare. Or at least trying to make it simple and find products with less chemicals on it. This leaves my skin so soft yet so clean and refreshing! Definitely buying a full size version.

Gold watch from American Eagle and my Aldo/forever 21 rings. I love the good old non chunky looking, simple gold watch and adding little stuff like dainty rings.

Thats it folks! Happy October! 

Drugstore Makeup Bundles/Great Stocking Stuffers

Hello Foxies! I have a couple of Drugstore faves that are awesome to give as stocking stuffers or bundles this Christmas! It would be great to give them out to your family or your friends, completely customized and personalized that they will enjoy. It's fun, affordable and no wrapping involved!lol

I made 2 themed sets and placed them in to mason jars. The First one goes out to someone who is actually just starting out with makeup. Sometimes, it can be overwhelming for her on which products to try. Even though these are drugstore products, it can be a hit or miss…and if you're a newbie, you hesitate sometimes on spending. So, i did 

a 'MAKEUP ESSENTIALS' bundle for her to test out.

This contains:

- Covergirl Ready Set Gorgeous Foundation ($6): Awesome for oily skin, Light- Medium coverage. I don't normally dig for drugstore foundations but this is a keeper for me. Its oil free and great for sensitive skin peeps like me.

- Maybelline's Eyestudio Copper Chic ($8.99): These are basic neutral colours that looks great on anyone! Love the packaging and pigmentation.

- Ecotools eye brush kit ($12): Comes in a travel sized pouch, easy to clean, to use and really soft. I own a couple of these and they're great!

- NYX butter gloss in Tiramisu ($5)- This smells like vanilla cupcakes. Besides that, I love that it is not sticky at all. One great lippie you can wear on its own or on top of your lipstick.

- Elf Bronzing and blush powder ($3): Yes, they kinda copied NARS' laguna and Orgasm BUT this is runs pretty close on colour and longevity. I'd still pick this though…. cmon..$3 vs $52?.

- Maybelline Falsies Waterproof version ($4-6): I've been wearing this mascara for about 2 years now. 3 things: Holds curl, lasts all day, lashes look longer. One of my faces for sure.

- Ferrero Chocolate ($2 for a pack of 5) and a lil greeting: You can never go wrong with a piece of Chocolate to enjoy and a sweet message to brighten someone's day :)

The Second set goes out to a friend who deserves all the R&R. She's just always sooo tired and busy that i put together an "AT HOME SPA" bundle that she can use one of these nights.

This contains:

- Marc Anthony's deep conditioning Hair Mask ($1.99): Leave it on damp hair for 5-10 mins preferably at the ends for instant softness and instant de-tangler! Just what your hair needs this winter!

- Simple Makeup Wipes ($1.99): I have super sensitive skin and this works well for me! The only makeup wipes i use. It takes out all makeup (even waterproof mascara), no overpowering scent and  does NOT sting your eyes or strip your skin--which is very very important!

- Shea Infused slipper socks from Bath and Body works ($6.99): Slob some Vaseline before you sleep and you wake up with super soft baby-like feet! These socks as so soft and comfy to begin with.

- Vanilla bean Noel Shower gel and lotion from B&BW ($3 ea.) : Travel size, amazing but not over powering scent, affordable and its one of those Holiday traditions you just gotta make the most out of!

- Essie's Fiji ($8.99): My favourite NP of all time. classic pinky/milky nude that goes with everything. Time to give your nails some love! This is actually the nail polish I am using on my Wedding day ;P

- Ecotools' dual cleansing pad ($5): 2-in-1! Green side lathers (lightly exfoliates) and the other side exfoliates to the next level. I like how its different from other loofas! It works well with sensitive skin, cute on display and you have more control when using it on your skin. ( you can flip the elastic thingy when you want to use the green side). I just love this brand!

Lastly, a lil piece of chocolate and card make everything better :)

Hope ya'll enjoyed!

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

Review: Origins Trio

I've been wanting to try the DrinkUp Intensive Overnight Mask and the Charcoal Mask for the longest time. Since i can't justify spending full price on tubes that i am not sure will work, i've been holding it off. As soon as i saw this mini trio in Sephora, it was the perfect time to try all 3:)

Each mask can be used at least 4 times before the tubes are out. retails to about $15-20 i think.

Charcoal Mask Overall: 4/5
Packaging: I wish it came with a different cap ( id prefer just like the caps on toothpastes). it can messy.
Quality: Surprisingly kind to my eyes. didn't leave that burning/stinging feeling that i got with Glamglow's & other face masks. I can definitely see if its ready to be washed. didn't leave an over drying feeling as well. Although i only see a teeny difference on my skin, it did wash out all the roughness around my nose.
Smell: No overwhelming scent on this.--smells very spa-ish.

10 Minute Mask Overall: 3/5
Quality: Its good but not amazing. Perfect for when your skin needs a pick me up or when you are breaking out. Similar to the charcoal mask but difference in colour obviously. It did leave a film after i washed it. Not that much of a difference except it calmed the redness of my face. typical mask

Overnight Mask: 5/5
Quality: This was my favourite out of all 3. I use this once or twice a week and i must say it made a big difference on my skin. Quite noticeable when i wake up every morning. For some reason, i don't feel oily nor greasy. (it helped control my oily face overnight). its lightweight & easy to apply. i loved the scent on this one--very spa-ish.

Simple makeup wipes

Like is an understatement for these wippies. I've been using this for a couple of months now... Which is safe for me to do a review already.

I used to use the neutrogena one and i dont like how it stings my eyes and felt so greasy. Although it took off my makeup well, my skin wasnt really liking the after feel.

Funny how i stumbled upon these accidentally, it was the only one available in a drugstore i went to. Since i needed one asap (was going to work out and if i dont take out my makeup, i will breakout in a sec) i had a "no choice but to buy" kind of scenario..

I ended up loving this!

These are the only wipes that does'nt irritate/sting my eyes, cuts or pimples, i feel fresh after, bearable not to even wash my face after, perfect for taking out even the most waterproof-est mascara, perfect for sensitive skin, No strong scent and its super cheap! (Around 6$ depends on where you get them) 

I rarely stick to products like HG, But besides my stila liquid liner, these wipes are up there for sure! 

Makeup for glasses

Makeup for Glasses

 My normal everyday makeup looks so blah and plain when i wear glasses compared to when I'm not. For some reason, once i put my glasses on, it seems like i don't have any makeup on. LOL 

Glasses tend to put a dark cast under your eyes and they become the main focus of your face so its important to:

1) Use an opaque brightening concealer

Glasses frame your face and if you don't do your eyebrows, it may look off and weird. make sure you

2) do your brows, (thicker and more-arched than the usual) they frame your face.

3) Contour your eyes, face and do it darker than the usual. It may look a lot but when you put your glasses, it will look fine =)

4) Brightener: Use a shimmery eyeshadow on the inner corners of your eyes, brow bone, and the lids to brighten up your eyes 

5) Bigger eyes: beige/cream liner on your waterline to make your eyes look bigger

                         thicken your eyeliner a little bit, extend and wing it out rather than following your eye   

                         shape.

:)

Glam Glow Youthmud tinglexfoliate treatment

I've been hearing a lot of good things about Glam Glow Products but i couldn't justify buying masks worth $70 for 1.7oz. But i saw a travel size version/sample pot as i was checking out in Sephora. for $21, i decided to give it a try..which would give me at least 6 uses out of it.

Description: (Acc. to Sephora)


What it is:
A 10-minute professional-quality mud mask for men and women. 

What it is formulated to do:
This mud mask leaves skin noticeably radiant and glowing. It works with the body's natural moisturizing collagen to provide gentle resurfacing exfoliation and helps to leave skin smoother, brighter, and softer. While providing tighter skin texture and tighter pores, it provides a more youthful appearance and absorbs impurities without removing natural oils. 

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens
- Sulfates 
- Phthalates 

Ingredients:

-French Sea Clay: Absorbs impurities and toxic substances, while leaving essential natural oils and minimizing pore size. -Volcanic Pumice Rock: Multi-level surface exfoliation that you control to clear dead skin cells, smoothing out fine lines and softening skin texture. 
-Green Tea Leaf Pieces: GLAMGLOW® groundbreaking patent pending TEAOXI™ technology delivers fresh Super-Squalene, EGCG super antioxidants, and Polypenols directly into the mud from the real pieces of tea leaf. 

My BEFORE PIC : (UN EDITED/NO FILTER): you can see uneven skin tone/redness, pimples or hyper pigmentation, oiliness, my enlarged pores around my nose and near my cheeks. i washed my face with my daily facial cleanser and pat it dry.

side note on skin type: oily, sensitive, dry patches, uneven skin tone, redness, acne prone.

As you place the stuff in your face, you can instantly feel the tingling sensation! I love how you know when time is up just by looking in the mirror... the color turns tray to a sea foam greenish grey.

the chunks that you see btw are green tea leaf pieces.

You can see my enlarged pores! deep

My after pic: (NO EDIT, NO FILTER) my face is so soft, Glowing and squeaky clean without feeling that it over stripped the oils in my face! My pores were less visible, although  hyper pigmentation was still there, it definitely helped tone down the redness and was less visible.

The same feeling when you just had an amazing teeth cleaning sesh. :) so fresh and clean!

Overall, im super happy with this product. I love how its a face mask that exfoliates. Usually i deal with exfoliants that are cleansers/soaps..this is actually better because the time that it is on your face, it really sinks deep down in your pores and really gets out the dirt and gunk out of your face. 

It is seriously one of the best i have tried, truly a luxurious product and treat you can give your skin once in awhile. If only it wasn't too expensive *sigh*

Have you tried? or are you willing to try glamglow products?

xo,

Denise

Makeup/toiletries travel bags

What is in your makeup/toiletries bag?
I normally pack lighter, makeup wise but i was packing for an event ( i had a wedding to go to and was out of city for 3 days). I wanted to make sure that i packed EVERYTHING i could possibly need.
soo here's mine. whats in yours?

(L-R) sephora wide tooth comb, sonia kaschuk brush, simple cleanser, toner & moisturizer, tresemme shampoo, conditioner and dove soap, tresemme dry shampoo and hairspray, my contacts sol, nail polish remover pads, tootpaste and toothbrush, tissue paper, b&bw's country chic lotion, pads, shaving cream,

contacts case, shaver,ties and bobby pins, simple facial wipes, sleeping mask, bioderma and deodorant.

I like how it comes with a hook! i dont wear lashes on an everyday basis but since i was going to attend a wedding, i brought a couple :) just my daily makeup essentials. :)

all packed and ready to go!:D

xo,

Denise

11 Beauties under $10

Hello Beauties! tag been going around 10 under $10. but excuse me i had to squeeze in 1 because i cant decide!note: taxes not included since price varies (Walmart, Shoppers etc)

Rimmel Wake me up foundation ($8)
I always always use the revlon colourstay foundation but since its expensive for a drusgtore, (went up to $15.99) i decided to try others. the hype on this foundation has been going around and decided to give it a try...and i like it. its not too thin nor too thick of a coverage, easy to apply, smells good, i like how its in a pump version. its light to medium coverage, perfect for everyday, lasts long (about 6 hours and im pretty oily)

Rimmel Apocalips ($6)
this little guy feels amazing on the lips. its a lipstick/lipgloss in 1 and BIG BANG definitely is the star in this collection. its opaque, consistency and the applicator is amazing. for the price, cant go wrong:)

Loreal Voluminous mascara ($8)
this has been my holy grail mascara for about 2 years already. it was a close tie between my maybelline falsies, the only thing different is that loreal voluminous gave me more volume than the falsies/falsies flared which gives me more of length. i always always use this and i would get compliments every time i wear this. try it out!

Maybelline clear mascara ($3)
i specifically use this as a brow gel to tame my brows. Rather than buy wax or brow stuff at sephora, i just use clear mascara. Also i sometimes do use it for my eye lashes (obv. different tube) when i hit the gym to give me that naturally curled eyelash look :) definitely worth it or 3 bucks!

Sally Hansen's Pacific blue ($3)
i love this  line when it comes to nail polishes, specifically this one. i love the brush (thicker than usual) that can cover my nails in 2 swipes, so opaque ( i can go by with 1 coat most of the time), easy to apply, affordable and i like the packaging!

Milani Liquif'eye eyeliner ($7)
this eyeliner has been on the popular side for the longest time... and i dont question why. my lids are super oily and i always have a hard time finding a good pencil eyeliner that can even stay on my waterline. blown away with this one. creamy and opaque and doesnt budge at all. if you plan on smoking it out on your lids, you have to act quick though. do one eye at a time and give it 5 secs, it wont budge till you take it off.

NYX jumbo eye pencil in yogurt ($6-8)
i prefer pencils like this than paint pots. loving the jumbo pencils specifically this one. Quick and easy to apply, doesnt crease, help brighten up my eyes. On the go, sometimes i just pencil it on my lids and it seems like i am wearing eyeshadow. i love the black one as well. i typically use it as a base when i do smokey eyes.kuddos to nyx!

Wet and wild eyeshadow palette ($3)
im surprised with wet and wild! this palette i actually like! 3 eyeshadows matte, 3 are shimmery/satin. its actually pigmented than i thought it would be! great for on the go, for a neutral, everyday look. not bad for 3$!:)
btw, just be careful when travelling with this palette, make sure when you pack, surround it with soft stuff or securely, not giving it room to shake because they do brake  easily.

Loreal elnette spray ($8)
the only hairspray i use when i do my curls. it gives hold and shine while it being brushable and natural. although im not a fan on the smell, i can handle it. love how it works! its not scrunchy, and you dont have to spray on so much. probably 1-2 short sprays over your head and youre good. curls lasts all day. comparable to sebastian shaper spray, which is 4 times the price.

Tresemme heat tamer spray ($4)oldie but goodie! since i always apply heat (blow-dry, straighten and or curl) its very important for me to protect my fine, brittle hair. i love the scent, how its very light, protects, adds shine and most importantly, protects my hair from even more damage. i actually see and feel the difference when i dont use this.

St. Ives apricot scrub ($5)
another "classic" scrub. oldie but goodie. the market has come up with so much skin care products and exfoliation is so common that there are a ton of different ones. i seem to go back to my trusty st ives.they have expanded their line too when it came to exfoliation scrubs. mine is the sensitive skin one. i just love this. i use this once a week, on a weekend to get rid of dead skin cells, gunk and to give my skin a healthy look. such a big difference. i love how it smells, how its not too abrasive but its coarse enough to really work through my skin. love it!

these are my top 11. whats yours?

Spotlight: Rimmel Apocalips

I've been wanting to try these out! I heard people raving about this, more so in the UK. Not sure if it was even going to be released in the states or in Canada. but I saw a small display at Walmart and I got so excited! I got big bang (Blood red) and nova (creamy Barbie pink).. then the next day, I saw a whole display in Shoppers drug mart in my area. I got Stellar( reddish pinkish coraly color mixed together) because that's one of the lippies that I wanted to get. Prevented myself in getting more because I wanted to try it out first.

I love it has a variety of colours ranging from nude- dark, it has a satin smooth shine, I love the consistency of it, very opaque, creamy and intense (its amazing with 1 swipe!), The staying power is ok too. Im very particular with liquid lipsticks, it tends to be drying on me or once applied it shows lines...but this, not at all. You just have to be really careful in applying and it has a slight stronger taste/scent to it. the Applicator has a hole/ well in the middle which is great because you only need 1-2 dips. but overall, live it! lovely packaging, colour selection, the formula and the price! ($7-9 CAD depending where you get it) I might also grab a nude colour too!



I might do a comparison between Rimmel's and NYX's soon :)
have you ever tried liquid lipsticks? what are your favourite ones?

Many uses of Vaseline/Petroleum Jelly.

Sure we know some of the uses but there are just some that you might have missed. A beauty girl shouldn’t disregard!

The many uses of Vaseline/petroleum jelly:

1)      Maintain your perfume scent by dabbing a little bit on your skin then apply perfume. It will help last longer
2)      Never get lipstick on your teeth again. Place a thin layer on your teeth, you don’t have to worry about your lipstick transferring
3)      Soften dry/cracked elbows: Sometimes these spots need more TLC and lotion.. especially on the winter months!
4)      Soften your feet by applying petroleum jelly, socks on overnight and you’ll wake up with softer feet.
5)      Use as a scrub: lip scrub (mix in with brown sugar) Body scrub (mix in with sea salt)
6)      You can apply a little bit of Vaseline on the ends of your hair to make them look healthier
7)      As an eyebrow gel. It quickly tames eyebrows and molds them into place
8)      Eyelash care: make eye lashes grow by putting Vaseline at night. It will lengthen overtime
9)      Hurting feet on those heels? Rub a little Vaseline to prevent blisters (no friction)
10)   To remove sticky leftover glue from false eye lashes
11)   Rub a little to soften cuticles
12)   Mistakes here and there? Easy makeup remover/corrector. Use a q-tip!
13)   as cream blush. Mix lipstick and petroleum jelly!
14)   As lip gloss: mix it with eye shadow/lipstick
15)   As a highlighter. Thin layer on cheeks for that dewy look.

Makeup: Keep or Toss?

Do you ever wonder why you're still getting pimples despite of amazing products you use?
Remember, dirt and Bacteria can cause a lot of complications on your skin.

Just like food, make up have expiration dates too. Do you know when to toss them out?

MAKEUP EXPIRATION DATE

MASCARA (3 MONTHS)
- It's liquid consistency makes it more vulnerable to bacteria that is why it needs to be replaced often. (I am pretty strict with this because i don't mind spending a couple of dollars to buy a new tube rather than get bacteria on my eye area or my clients' eyes)

LIQUID EYELINER (6 MONTHS)
- Same with liquid eyeliners, due to its consistency, need to be replaced often. Pencil eyeliners though can last up to 2 years but sharpen often to keep it bacteria free.

FOUNDATION (6-12 MONTHS)
- Toss it out if you start to see a difference in the smell of the product, texture and color, TOSS it! if you're acne prone or have sensitive skin like me, toss it out after 6 months.

LIPGLOSS (1 YEAR)
- consistency (sticky liquid) and lips... need I say more?

CONCEALER (1 YEAR)
- liquid concealers are more prone to bacteria.
-creamy ones can last up to a year.

NAIL POLISH (2 YEARS)
- again, if you see a difference in color and texture, toss em out!

LIPSTICK (2 YEARS)
- better than lip gloss, consider tossing them out if it becomes dry or changes hues/color.

POWDER/EYESHADOW/BRONZER/BLUSH (2 YEARS)
- As long as you keep your brushes clean, not mixing any liquid then it can last up to years!


*** I know it requires maintenance but in my opinion, #1 is HYGIENE. not worth the bacteria or the skin damage. :)

Now is the perfect time to toss out products---- summer clean up! ohh makes you re-do your makeup collection :)


good luck!

xo,
Denise

do's and donts for your skin type

OILY SKIN/ ACNE PRONE SKIN
DO:
-        Use wash that has salicylic acid. Wash twice daily.
-        Blot often to keep you looking fresh
-        Weekly masks do help.- Use clay mask (tightens pores thus refining them)
-        Always always wash your hands before touching your face
-        Wash with warm water
-        Gel cleanser over foam or cream
-        Never miss out on sunscreen (SPF of 15 or higher). Make sure it is lightweight and oil free
-        Never pop pimples or black heads
-        Clean your sheets/phone (or anything that has contact with your face) once or twice a week
DON’T
-        Use alcohol based toners
-        Wash more than twice a day
-        Use harsh facial scrubs (stimulates more oil production)
-        Ever sleep without washing your face (leave cleansing wipes at your bed side table for emergencies!)
-        Miss out on moisturizer (Yes even on oily skin). Make sure its oil free and light

DRY SKIN
DO:
-        Wash with gentle cleanser. Cream cleansers are your best bet.
-        Deep moisturize through masks once a week
-        Exfoliate 1-2 times a week to rid off dry flaky skin
-        Put a thin layer of Vaseline on really dry patches
-        Wear sunscreen daily (SPF 15 or higher). Make sure its lightweight and oil free.
-        Wash in lukewarm water. Hot water makes your skin even drier
-        Use Pore strips at least 1-2 times a month to get rid of the oil buildup and of course, taking out those pesky blackheads from your nose. In doing this, you also prevent your pores getting bigger
DON’T
-        Use heavy moisturizers (clogs pores)
-        Over exfoliate
-        Run with hot water (even when youre taking a bath. The conditioner/creams you put on your face/skin and hair will just end up being a waste.
-        Use drying soaps
COMBINATION SKIN
DO
-        Exfoliate 1-2  a week
-        Work with either foam/cream cleanser
-        Moisturize and never skip on sunscreen
-        Use Pore strips on t zone to prevent oil and junk buildup
-        if you have sensitive skin, use fragrance free products/soap
-        Blot often
*****dont's are basically the ones for oily skin.
OILY VS. COMBINATION
OILY SKIN
- thicker texture
-dilated pores
-oily, shiny appearance
COMBINATION
-oily only on the tzone. (forehead,nose)
- Dry, flaky patches
*** remember, your makeup up wont look good  if you don't have good, healthy skin. Make sure you give it some TLC:)




xo,
Denise

Sunscreen

I must admit, i did not apply sunscreen on an everyday basis until i saw this picture.. This is a 69 year old man who suffers from dermatoheliosis but only one side of his face. Apparently, he has been a truck driver for 28 years and only caught the sun's rays on the left side of his face through the truck window.

SERIOUSLY PEOPLE. sunscreen!!! This is one of the things we don't really consider important because we dont see the effects right away...over time, our skin would thank us...

***Image and info from perezhilton.com

Mani Monday: Nail cream

How do you keep your hands hydrated?

First post for Mani Monday. I forgot to add this to my May favorites but I have been using this since the start of May! Hands down the BEST hand cream I have ever used! overall thoughts:

-Non-sticky/not greasy at all.
-subtle smell of oranges, which I love... not so over powering like bath and body works lotions
- big difference when it came to my cuticles.
-little goes a long way

my hands overall look hydrated and soft, without feeling greasy.
Although it costs a couple more dollars than a regular lotion/hand cream, its all worth it. I can never go back to cheap-y ones. I've applied this everytime I washed my hands for the past month and ive only consumed only a quarter

15$ in Sephora.

"CAUDALIE
Hand and nail cream
Formula highly concentrated in patented anti-oxidant grape seed polyphenols, vinolevure, fair trade of shea butter, grape-seed oil, avocado, plant glycerin, sweet orange. leaves no greasy film
No parabens
No Phenoxyyethanol"

8

Exfoliation: Abuse

   Every when do you exfoliate? 2-3 times a week? too much!
 Women think that by exfoliating more frequently,  will get rid of dead skin cells. Actually, you end up just stripping the oil off and may end up producing more oil to compensate ... which in this case, more oil which can lead to breakouts! You have to give your skin time for renewal. Once a week or  once in every 2 weeks  would be best depending on your skin type.








image from: stylelist.ca

Facial.

Sometimes we think that washing every night is enough.... But NO. Do you always drink 8 glasses of water? sleep early? workout? if youre the type who is always busy, stressed and on the go, well your skin needs a lil bit of TLC. Have a facial! (Even if its just once a month) 

Im not talking about expensive facials.. But these simple facials will work out just fine:)

Im currently trying out "cupcake" from LUSH. My skin is pretty sensitive and even at least this time, i wanted to use natural ingredients. 

So far this is what it claims:

Chocolate heaven for oily skin. Cupcake calms with cocoa powder and sandalwood.